gs. I think you're capable of them. But
I'd rather watch. At least in my present mood I would. I'd give anything
to feel I was a leader of men or whatever it is you are. But I'm not.
I've got a sister whom you ought to meet. She's got all the positive
energy in our family. I can't explain, Maurice, just exactly what I'm
feeling about existence at this moment, unless I tell you more about
myself than I possibly can--anyway yet a while. I don't want to do any
harm, and I don't think I could ever feel I was in a position to do any
good. Look here, don't let's talk any more. I meant to dream myself into
an attitude to-night, and you've made me talk like an earnest young
convert."

"I think I'll go round and consult Wedderburn about this paper," said
Avery excitedly.

"He thinks you're patronizing," Michael warned him.

Avery pulled up, suddenly hurt:

"Does he? I wonder why."

"But he won't, if you ask his advice about reproducing advanced
drawings."

"Doesn't he like me?" persisted Avery. "I'd better not go round to his
rooms."

"Don't be foolish, Maurice. Your sensitiveness is really all spoiled
vanity."

When Avery had hesitatingly embarked upon his expedition to Wedderburn,
Michael thought rather regretfully of his presence and wished he had
been more sympathetic in his reception of the great scheme. Yet perhaps
that was the best way to have begun his own scheme for not being
disturbed by life. Michael thought how easily he might have had to
reproach himself over Lily Haden. He had escaped once. There should be
no more active exposure to frets and fevers. Looking back on his life,
Michael came to the conclusion that henceforth books should give him his
adventures. Actually he almost made up his mind to retire even from the
observation of reality, so much had he felt, all this Christmas
vacation, the dominance of Stella and so deeply had he been impressed by
Prescott's attitude of inscrutable commentary.

Michael was greatly amused when two or three evenings later he strolled
round to Wedderburn's rooms to find him and Maurice Avery sitting in
contemplation of about twenty specimen covers of The Oxford
Looking-Glass that were pinned against the wall on a piece of old
lemon-colored silk. He was greatly amused to find that the reconciling
touch of the Muses had united Avery and Wedderburn in a firm
friendship--so much amused indeed that he allowed himself to be
nominated to serve on the obstetrical committee t